Untechnological Employment

"Untechnological Employment" by Ed M. Clinton Jr. is a science fiction short story written in the early 1960s. The narrative is centered around themes of bureaucracy and the challenges of technological advancements, particularly in the context of space exploration. It explores how external pressures may influence decision-making within governmental and military institutions. The story unfolds through a series of telegram exchanges among military officials and the White House regarding the delays in moon launches caused by bad weather. As the countdown for a significant launch draws near, political considerations become entangled with operational realities, revealing the tensions between technological capabilities and the expectations of political figures. The narrative highlights the absurdities and complexities of bureaucracy, especially in dealing with crises, culminating in an ironic twist regarding weather control and the motivations underlying decision-making in a high-stakes environment.